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Captain Heritage

Lilou 2 16ft Custom Built Wooden Boat

Lilou 2 16ft Custom Built Wooden Boat

Regular price $20,002.00 USD
Regular price $20,002.00 USD Sale price $20,002.00 USD
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The Lilou 2 is a compact and spirited sail and oar dinghy that draws inspiration from classic Nordic prams while embracing modern simplicity. With its upright bow generous beam and lightly rockered hull the Lilou 2 presents a charming yet purposeful profile. Designed for accessibility and ease of handling it offers an inviting platform for family sailing training sessions and relaxed coastal exploration. Constructed in our workshop using selected marine timbers such as Western Red Cedar Mahogany and Teak the Lilou 2 is reinforced where necessary with U.S. made Hexcel fiberglass and protected with System Three marine spar varnish for durability in varied marine conditions. Each hull is hand built using traditional plank on frame techniques ensuring structural reliability and authentic craftsmanship. The hull form emphasizes initial stability efficient rowing geometry and balanced sail response even in light to moderate winds. Typical build time ranges from 4 to 6 months depending on finish level and customization. Owners may personalize wood selection seating configuration rig arrangement finish tone hardware detailing and storage solutions to suit individual waters and intended use. The adaptable layout allows the Lilou 2 to serve equally well as a tender training dinghy or compact recreational sailer. Specifications - Hull length/waterline: 16.73/15.09 ft - Breadth / waterline: 6.3/5.05ft - Draught: 1.48/3.28ft - Light weight/ballast: 837.76/88.18lbs - Sail area sloop: 182.99ft2 - Outboard motor: 5hp Performance and Use The Lilou 2 is ideal for lakes quiet harbors and protected coastal areas. Under sail it offers predictable heel behavior and responsive helm feedback while remaining stable and confidence inspiring for newer sailors. Under oars it tracks cleanly and moves efficiently making it practical for short transfers and calm water rowing. Light easily handled and visually timeless the Lilou 2 combines traditional craftsmanship with everyday usability. This wooden boat crafted by us is built from Vivierboats, with full credit given to the original designers where applicable. For each custom commission we obtain the appropriate drawings and construct the vessel to order offering both full size boats and finely detailed scale models. Contact us to discuss configuration possibilities build scheduling and detailed specifications for your Lilou 2. The Lilou 2 reflects the charm and practicality of traditional small European day boats that were once central to coastal and river life. Inspired by classic craft from regions such as Brittany, these boats were built to serve fishing families and local sailors who needed stability, shallow draft, and dependable handling in tidal waters. Their simple yet elegant hull shapes allowed smooth movement through sheltered bays and narrow estuaries. The Lilou 2 carries forward this heritage with refined proportions and a versatile open layout suited for leisure cruising. As boating gradually shifted from necessity to recreation, designs like this preserved traditional craftsmanship while adapting to modern expectations. Today, the Lilou 2 stands as a tribute to enduring maritime culture, combining historic inspiration with contemporary comfort and performance.
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What makes our wooden boats so unique and special? 

Hundreds of hours go into the construction of our boats, as perfection is the only options.

- ENVIRONMENTAL FRIENDLY: We use only certified top-grade, hand-selected wood such as Canadian red cedar, mahogany, rosewood, teak and more. 

- THE ART OF CRAFTSMANSHIP: Merging centuries-old customs with technological innovation, we bring you boats that excel in every categories. 

- IN-HOUSE QUALITY CONTROL: Each of our wooden boats goes through a demand quality control process including in water testing before leaving the workshop.

 

About Woodenboat USA™

The story of time-honored traditions of boat building. 

More than just watercraft, our wooden boats, kayaks and canoes represent connections to a legacy of craftsmanship and old world techniques. Woodenboat USA is invested in the type of construction that recalls generations of boat making. Over thirty years in business, our commitment has always been and will continue to be, to excellence, to tradition and to creating products that you can enjoy both for their performance and incredible beauty.

Inspired by history, the names of our watercraft are derived from the northern waterways where natives and settlers have used them for centuries. Merging centuries-old customs with improvements in technology, we bring you boats that excel in every category.

Beginning with pliable, high quality Canadian cedar and hardwood, our craftsmen hand join each individual strip. Hundreds of hours go into the construction of our boats, as perfection is the only option. Once built, the piece is encapsulated in fiberglass epoxy resin adding an extra layer of durability and strength. At last, the water craft is ready for its nautical debut.

FAQ's

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What are your canoes and kayaks made of?

Our canoes and kayaks are made of the highest quality western red cedar and some hardwoods. The larger boats are made of western red cedar, pine, and hardwoods such as oak, mahogany, teak, and some locally available woods. Our wooden watercraft are then coated both inside and out in an incredibly durable American made fiberglass and epoxy resin.

You mentioned that you use fiberglass in your boats, so what is the difference between your boats and fiberglass boats?

We only use 1 or 2 clear thin layers of fiberglass coating on top of the wood for reinforcement and added integrity. You never see any fiberglass, only beautiful, hand-joined cedar and hardwoods.

What is a typical cedar strip canoe or kayak weight?

A 15’ kayak weighs approximately 45lbs, making it very easy for one person to carry. A 16’ canoe weighs about 48lbs.

What type of boats do you build?

Our wooden strip canoes and kayaks are hugely popular for touring and recreational purposes. We also build wooden dinghies, wooden sail boats, classic wooden runabouts, and speedboats. Additionally, we can custom-build any design with which you supply us.

What methods do you use to build the boats?

Focused on integrating traditional technique with modern design, all boats are built by hand, typically taking hundreds of man hours to create.

How do I order?

Please contact our dealers or call (877) 88 Boats for more information.

How long does an order take?

Boats that we have in stock can be shipped to you within a week). New or custom products generally take 2-3 months as everything we sell is 100% hand crafted.

How do you ship it?

We can ship via trucking company very safely. We also insure all freight so in the very rare case that a shipment is damaged during transit, we will take care of the details and immediately replace the item for you. We also have distributors all over the world, so please contact us to find out more information.

How do I become a distributor of your products?

We welcome qualified dealers and distributors all over the world. Please contact us today at (877) 88 Boats or email us at info@woodenboatusa.com for more information.

What kind of warranty can I expect?

For all products we offer a 6 month limited warranty on materials and craftsmanship.

Guidelines for use

CARE:

With a little bit of care and maintenance, your beautiful canoe can last for generations. While our products are certainly durable and solid, they still require the right type of care and handling to ensure that they perform optimally.

  • It is recommended that you rinse your canoe off with fresh clean water after every use.
  • Upon returning from the trip, allow your canoe to air-dry in the shade.

STORAGE:

Besides taking care of your canoe, storage also plays an essential role in maintaining your canoe’s appearance and beauty.

  • Always store your wooden canoe in shade.
  • Turn it upside down on the support thereby keeping it off the ground.
  • Hanging your boat from the rafters in your garage or shop would be ideal storage.

REPAIR:

Minor scratches can be repaired by marine spar vanish or some brand of automobile wax. Smooth the damaged area with sand paper, wipe clean, then apply marine spar vanish.

SAFETY:

Wooden Boat USA strongly recommends that a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) is worn whenever paddling.

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